Most coaches and healers know they need to write their credibility building book so they can connect with potential clients in a helpful and authentic way to grow their businesses. However, too many of you are held back by these myths.

Writing Myth 1: I’m not really an expert

I hear this a lot. If you are helping your clients, you’re an expert. You don’t have to be the expert (whatever that means) to write your book. But you don’t have to take my word for it. In her foreword to my first book, There’s a Book in Every Expert, Lor Bradley writes: ‘If people are interested in your business, your products, and your services, then they are already interested in YOU. Own that expertise with pride and celebrate it.’ I asked Lor to write the foreword because she both knows how to build successful businesses and how to write successful business books; she’s the author of Grow Your Tribe (if you haven’t read it, you really need to).

It’s time to start believing in what you do and to start writing your credibility building book.

Writing Myth 2: But I don’t have a system; I just help people.

This one always confuses me. I’m thrilled you don’t have a system you put clients through the way widgets go through factory machines. People are not uniform products, so solutions to their problems or challenges shouldn’t be either.

If you don’t have a system, what do you have? You’ve likely noticed some similarities in how your clients talk about the issues they come to you with, and you’ve probably developed a whole host of tools for helping them. Your book isn’t supposed to provide a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s supposed to give your readers a clear idea of how you work with people. They will benefit from some of the advice and examples you use in the book, and then some of them will come to you for further help.

You don’t need a system; use your book to show people how you can help them.

Writing Myth 3: I don’t have time.

You almost certainly do have time. Writing a book doesn’t require you to retreat to your office for weeks at a time. Instead it requires you to commit to developing a plan and to finding a couple of 10- to 30- minute chunks of time for writing most days. Your business is worth making those commitments.

You do have time.

Writing Myth 4: I’m not good at writing – my teachers always said so at school.

Overcoming the damage done by, often well-meaning, educators is difficult. The important things to remember here are 1) you’re not at school anymore, and 2) your former teachers are probably not your target audience.

If you can talk about how you help your clients, you can write about it. Are you magically going to be endowed with perfect grammar and punctuation? Of course not. But you’re not at school, and no one is marking your work – you’re not only allowed to hire someone to edit your work, you’re encouraged to do so.

If you can say it, you can write it.

Writing Myth 5: No one would read it.

At the risk of sounding rude: Nonsense!

Your current clients will want to read it because it will give them 24/7 access to your views and insights. Also, they’ll recommend it to their friends because it will show their friends why they recommend working with you. Your book will help potential clients decide whether or not you’re a good fit for them. Finally, people who want to work with you, but can’t afford to right now, will want to read it so they can start learning from you at a price point they can afford.

Lots of people want to read your book.

Some help to get started

If you’re ready to start writing your book, my Think Like an Author Workbook will help you get started.